e-HAHS, the electronic newsletter of the Hooved Animal Humane Society October 1, 2005 Volume 4, Issue 10

1. **In the News: Anti-slaughter legislation
2. **Events: October Volunteer Days
3. **Animal of the Month: Susan
4. **Horse Health: Foot Care
5. **How to Help: Promote the new disaster legislation
6. **Links: American Farrier Association
7. **FAQ: When should the farrier start trimming a foal's hooves?

1. In the News: Anti-slaughter legislation Two recent amendments may lead to the end horse slaughter, at least for the next year. In June, the House passed the Sweeney-Spratt-Rahall-Whitfield amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill, prohibiting the use of any federal taxpayer funds to slaughter horses for food exports. Just last week, the Senate passed the Ensign-Byrd amendment, which has identical language. Now the bills go to conference committee where it is expected they will be approved and sent to the President for his signature.

2. Events: October Volunteer Days Volunteer Information Session. Saturday, October 22 2005, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Anyone interested in becoming a HAHS volunteer must attend one of these informational sessions, held once each month throughout the year. For more information, visit www.hahs.org/help/volunteer.htm Volunteer Work Day. Saturday, October 22, 2005, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Current HAHS volunteers should contact Linda our Volunteer Coordinator to let her know you would like to come out this day and help where needed: 847-549-6877 or wildfilly@prodigy.net

3. Animal of the Month: Susan A black quarter horse mare between 25 and 30 years of age, we believe Susan was primarily used as a broodmare and may never have been ridden. She would be an excellent choice for a weanling or other young horse that needs an "aunt." To see her picture, visit www.hahs.org/adoption/asp

4. Horse Health: Foot Care A daily routine Picking out your horse's feet every day is the first step to healthy hooves, and it gives you a head start on foot problems. Ideally, you should pick feet before and after riding and/or turnout to make sure your horse doesn't pick up stones, nails or other potential problem-causers. Clean out the packed debris and brush the sole clean so you can see the entire surface. Establish the normal If you are looking at his feet every day, you will quickly notice variations from your horse's norm. Take note of the foot's temperature (hooves should be slightly warm to the touch). Feel the foot's digital pulse by putting two fingers on the back of the pastern. Don't count the number of pulses but rather feel their strength. An elevated temperature or a throbbing digital pulse is a clear indication that something is wrong. Look for signs of problems There are a wide array of problems that can occur in the hoof. Here are a few common ones to be aware of: thrush, puncture wounds, abscesses, cracks. Regular farrier visits The industry standard for farrier trips is every 6 to 8 weeks, but this varies from horse to horse depending on whether or not your horse is shod, how fast his feet grow or if he has any special needs. Regular trimming is essential to prevent hooves from cracking, curling and causing soundness issues. Environment Hooves can readily adapt to wet or dry conditions, but problems can crop up when the environment fluctuates from wet to dry frequently. Keep your horse's environment clean and dry, free from manure and mud to prevent thrush.

5. How to Help: Promote the new disaster legislation Last Thursday, Congressmen Tom Lantos (D-CA), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Barney Frank (D-MA), Don Young (R-AK), and James Oberstar (D-MN) introduced the PETS Act to ensure that in future disasters, people will not be forced to leave behind their household pets and service animals such as seeing-eye dogs, as they were in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The PETS Act requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include pets and service animals in their disaster evacuation plans. Local and state authorities must submit these plans to qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. With your help, we have a chance to pass this bill and save pets during future disasters: 1. Take action and urge your U.S. Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 3858, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, and do everything possible to get it passed SOON. It will only take a minute using our easy online tools. 2. Spread the word and urge your friends and family to contact their Representatives about this bill. We cannot win unless we have a large, loud majority urging our legislators to protect pets during future disasters.

6. Links: American Farrier Association At www.americanfarrier.org, horse owners can find a farrier, find a horse shoeing clinic to attend and find articles to read about maintaining healthy feet. In addition, owners can learn about what farriers are doing to help the horses displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

7. FAQ: When should the farrier start trimming a foal's hooves? Answer: According to Dr. Steve O'Grady, farrier turned veterinarian, foals should have their first foot trim at one month and at monthly intervals afterwards. In the article "Building a Foundation of Foot Care" available on the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) owner education website www.myhorsematters.com, O'Grady says careful examination of a foal's limbs at birth and throughout its first few months--along with accurate record-keeping and a good working relationship between you, your veterinarian, and your farrier-are the keys to a sound, athletic horse in the future.